Au Gant Rouge, a prominent name in tableware, gifting and home decor, celebrated its 150th anniversary with an outstanding outdoor party in their Downtown Flagship store in the presence of Mr. Bertrand Raynaud, president of Raynaud Limoges porcelains. Au Gant Rouge first opened in Beirut’s Souk El Tawile in 1867. Since then, it has only refined its identity and offering to present its customers with nothing but eclectic pieces.

Au Gant Rouge collaborated with distinguished Lebanese designer Rabih Kayrouz who designed his own exclusive tableware collection with esteemed porcelain plate manufacturer, Raynaud Limoges. The concept’s collection comes to venerate Kayrouz’s relationship with Beirut. The designer who’s a passionate lover of the city screams at it
“Beirut, ya Beirut” wondering what it has done to him.

“It’s the love/hate relations that characterizes our love to Beirut” he stated.

That’s not all, international award-winning interior designer Gregory Gatserelia came up with the idea of asking established Lebanese artists from different disciplines to design a plate paying tribute to a Lebanese figure who had a particular impact on them. The interior designer envisioned the plates held with Au Gant Rouge’s emblem, the red glove, which he sketched himself.

 

Below are my 8 favorite plates between the 38 Lebanese artists that were commissioned to design the windows for the flagship store of Au Gant Rouge in Down Town Beirut.

Rami Kadi chose to pay tribute to one of the most celebrated Lebanese classic actresses Hind Abi-Lamaa, who was renowned for her sensational role in “AlloHayete”. She inspired Lebanese women during the seventies with her unique style, exquisite love, and unparalleled beauty. Hind Abi-Lamaa is the definition of classic beauty with an original twist of perpetual elegance that certainly reflects his sense in couture. I was enticed by them distinguish appeal of the plate. For, the blend of the flashy colors created attractive contrast that is eye catching. Besides, it triggers one’s emotions and arouses nostalgia to precious memories of the “Golden Age” .

Rabih Geha decided to feature Tamam Salam as his Lebanese icon.  Prime minister Tammam Salam is scion of a prominent political family known for his objectivity and independence in all of his political approaches.  To me, what differentiate this plate from the other, is the simplicity of it and this was emphasized by the  location of Mr. Salam face on the edge of the plate which make it valiant and bold. Finally, Rabih used a very nice quote for Mr. Salam  ‘A man is what he makes himself’ in order to represent his plate.

“The True Mystery Of The World Is The Visible Not The Invisible!” Youssef
Aftimos, a pioneer in Lebanese architecture have marked the beginning of
the 20th century by translating his passion for the “Ottoman Revivalist style”
into our capital’s renowned landmarks. As he was one of “Au Gant Rouge” earliest beloved clients, Ramy Boutros decided to pay tribute to a legend in the Lebanese architecture history.

According to Gregory Gatserelia his plate reflects a bright and shining armor lady. As you wander around this room, gaze at the people only to find a striking silhouette, awash with elegance. Curious soul, she notices all of you, discovers your business and makes it personal, takes you in and submerges you into her fruitful world, making MWPR your home. Big names such as Gabriel & Guillaume, Nimerology, Rabih Geha Architects and so many more have put their trust in her PR agency, leaving their popularity in her hands. She is strong-willed, she is a fighter and above all, she is woman. Her name is Mariana Wehbe.

Karim Chaaya for spockdesign chose Akhwat Chanay as his Lebanese icon. Akhwat Chanay has become an idiom for the town fool. This particular fool, was the only one among all of the Emir’s counselors and the court scholars, who found a simple solution to a complex problem. So to him,  Imagination, more than knowledge, is at the root of Intelligence. What I liked in the above plate is the contrast between the white plate with the black outline creating a negative / positive relationship .

Said Akl redesigned the alphabet but also inspired many throughout his 102 years! This tribute consists of a black outline symbolizing the spirituality and timelessness of his achievements, hundreds of works of an iconic and unique poet, philosopher and writer who made us believe in “Lebanism” again. The wire drawing technique that Mohasseb used in this plate is more than amazing.

Samira Tawfik known for her beauty spot and her big black eyes, is an iconic Lebanese singer . To us she is the most iconic Lebanese beauty, charming, voluptuous always smiling. Therefore Rana reflected Samira Tawfik positive vibes through using bright color palette surrounded by flowers and golden stars in addition to her glowing smile.

Beauty queen Georgina Rizk strutted her way into the heart of every Lebanese, turning the global spotlight on Lebanon for one shining moment when she won the Miss Universe title in 1971. Thus, according to Sarah this is why she designated Rizk to be her Lebanese icon for  Au Gant Rouge.

 

And finally, the whole sculpture including the plate are available for sale in Au Gant Rouge stores and all proceeds will go to Children Cancer Center and Lebanese Autism Society.

 

Reference:

Au Gant Rouge 

Mariana Wehbe Pr

Copyright  Abir Moussa